Career Services
Salary Trends by Industry: What Career Teams Should Know in 2025
MBA salaries hit a record, but early offers fell. Learn why this gap matters and how to support longer, smarter job searches.
Each new MBA class wants proof their investment will pay off. This year’s data makes that story look strong at first glance. The Class of 2025’s median salary climbed to $165K, the highest yet. But placement rates fell to just 55.8%, showing that quick offers are no longer guaranteed. Career teams now need to help grads plan for longer searches, negotiate with confidence, and turn headline numbers into real outcomes.
The Gap Between Pay and Placement
The spread between top-paying and lower-paying industries is growing. Consulting and finance continue to push salaries above $165K, while other fields often trail by $30K or more.
MBAs targeting non-traditional paths may see:
A classmate’s headline offer doesn’t tell the whole story. Real context around industry norms, location, and timelines helps students make smarter choices. Career teams can lead that conversation.
Why Placement Rates Are Falling
A lower placement rate does not mean grads are unprepared. It shows how employer behavior is changing. Many companies now delay offers until after graduation, or squeeze hiring into intense early cycles that leave students scrambling.
Without good guidance, students can feel pressure to accept the first offer, even if it’s not a good fit. Some drop out of the search entirely if early pipelines don’t work out. Career teams can help grads manage these moments so they stay focused and confident.
See salary ranges, hiring timelines, and negotiation trends by industry.
Three Things Career Teams Can Do Now
The Bottom Line
A record-breaking MBA salary sounds impressive, but the placement rate tells the bigger story. Career teams can connect the dots between pay and placement to help students stay realistic and resilient in a market that takes more time to navigate. When students see the whole picture, they make better decisions, negotiate with confidence, and keep their ROI strong for years to come.
Note: These insights reflect early reporting as of May 1, 2025. Actual final outcomes may shift as additional data is collected and verified throughout the year.
See how Outcome Tracking helps your team stay ahead of trends and student needs.
